While BBC iPlayer is free in the UK, regrettably, it is not accessible in France due to intellectual property issues. To access BBC iPlayer in France, you will require a VPN like ExpressVPN.
BBC iPlayer is a prominent streaming service known for featuring the best of British cinema, including popular shows and movies, such as The Hit List, Songs of Praise, and many others. Whether you’re an expat or an Anglophile in France, you can enjoy the treasure trove of this British television on BBC iPlayer using a VPN service.
So, without further ado, I’ll show how can you watch iPlayer in France with just a click.
How can I Watch BBC iPlayer in France? [Quick Guide]
Accessing BBC iPlayer in France is impossible due to geographic content restrictions. However, with the right tools, such as a VPN, you can enjoy your favorite BBC shows and movies seamlessly. Here’s a quick guide on how to watch BBC iPlayer in France:
- Choose a reliable VPN provider with servers in the UK. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its speed and efficiency.
- Download and install the VPN application on your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the UK (I recommend using the Wembley server) to obtain a UK IP address.
- Navigate to the BBC iPlayer’s website.
- Sign in or register for a free BBC iPlayer account if you haven’t done so already.
- Start streaming your desired content on BBC iPlayer from France.
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But, how to watch BBC iPlayer in France for free is the most frequent question. Well, BBC iPlayer is a free British TV streaming service, but you must sign up for an account on BBC iPlayer. Go to the BBC website and register yourself.
Why do you need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in France?
BBC iPlayer is geographically restricted to the UK due to licensing agreements. To access it from France, you need a VPN that can mask your real IP address and make it appear like you are browsing from within the UK.
If you attempt to watch BBC iPlayer in France without a VPN, you’ll encounter the following BBC iPlayer error:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”
BBC iPlayer restricts its services in the UK to users only due to licensing restrictions.
So, does BBC iPlayer work in France? Yes, but with a VPN. It easily bypasses geo-restrictions, accesses BBC iPlayer’s content library, and protects your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection. It helps to avoid ISP throttling by hiding your streaming activities from your internet provider.
Remember, not all VPNs can reliably unblock BBC iPlayer. It’s essential to choose one that consistently works with BBC iPlayer and offers high-speed servers in the UK. For that, I recommend ExpressVPN due to its fast servers in UK.
How do I create a BBC iPlayer Account in France? [Step-by-Step Guide]
Creating a BBC iPlayer account from France is easy once you have a VPN set up. Here’s how to do it:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service. I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
- Connect your VPN to a UK server (I recommend using the Wembley server).
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website.
- Click on the ‘Sign in’ option and then ‘Register Now’.
Click register now.
- Provide your date of birth, and when prompted, enter a UK postcode (you can find one online).
- Fill in the required details, including email address and password.
Complete the registration process!
- Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to your inbox.
- You can now sign in to your BBC iPlayer account and start streaming.
What UK Postcode for BBC iPlayer Should I Use?
The system will not check your address or anything, thus using a random valid code to sign up for BBC iPlayer is perfectly OK. Following are some examples of valid postcodes for various locations:
- SN1 4BL; SN1 3EX – Swindon (Wiltshire)
- BS14 8WR – Bristol
- SW2 4QE; WC1N 2NF; E3 5QT – different districts of London.
- PO1 1QW; PO1 2AY – Portsmouth
The British postcode comprises 5 to 7 symbols, including numbers and characters. The code indicates the geographic location on various levels, beginning with a city and progressing to a specific group of houses or part of a street.
It facilitates mail delivery and gives useful number IDs for many locales, like in the case of BBC iPlayer registration. You don’t simply state you reside in the UK; with this code, you demonstrate that you live in a specific place. That is why registration requires a postcode.
Which VPN is Best for BBC iPlayer in France? [Quick Overview]
Here is a quick overview of some of the best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer while in France in 2024:
| VPNs | Price | Server count | Simultaneous Connections | |
| ExpressVPN |  |
EUR6.27/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free | 3000+ servers | 8 |
| Surfshark |  |
EUR2.34/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | 3200+ servers | Unlimited |
| NordVPN |  |
EUR3.75/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend | 6000+ servers | 6 |
What are the best VPNs for streaming BBC iPlayer in France? [Detailed Analysis]
When watching BBC iPlayer in France, not all VPNs are created equal. The best VPNs offer multiple UK servers, superior bandwidth for uninterrupted streaming, and features like split tunneling for a tailored VPN experience.
I have tested and selected the top VPNs to unlock BBC iPlayer. Following are the 5 best VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in France:
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for BBC iPlayer in France
- Ultra-fast servers in 105 Countries
- Excellent unblocking capability for Netflix, Hulu & more
- Best-in-class encryption trusted security, and advanced protection features that block ads, trackers, and harmful sites.
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support through live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
When it comes to streaming BBC iPlayer in France, my recommended ExpressVPNstands out as the best BBC iPlayer VPN in France for several compelling reasons such as fast speed (87.18 Mbps).
ExpressVPN boasts a vast network of 3000+ servers in 105 countries, with five locations in the UK, including multiple servers located in London, Docklands, East London, and Wembley that are optimized for BBC iPlayer.
With these UK servers, you will have no trouble watching BBC iPlayer, which is especially useful if you’re looking into how to get BBC iPlayer in France.
Also, during testing, I connected to ExpressVPN’s Wembley server to access BBC iPlayer in France, and I did that in a matter of seconds.
I could easily watch BBC One live stream in France using ExpressVPN’s fastest UK servers.
With ExpressVPN, you’re not just getting access to BBC iPlayer. Its servers offer high streaming speeds that unlock other geo-restricted platforms in France.
Its reputation for fast streaming speeds, robust security features, and unmatched streaming performance ensures you can watch your favorite shows like The Real Peaky Blinders without buffering or privacy concerns by unblocking BBC Bitesize.
According to my ExpressVPN review in France, these servers are specifically designed to provide a reliable connection that can bypass geo-restrictions with ease.
On a 100 Mbps base connection, the ExpressVPN speed test in France showed blazing-fast download speeds for users to start streaming iPlayer without any interruptions or buffering, making it the best BBC iPlayer VPN.
ExpressVPN speed results in a 100 Mbps base connection.
ExpressVPN supports 8 simultaneous connections. Apart from servers and speed, I was impressed with ExpressVPN’s device compatibility and apps.
The VPN also offers apps for various operating systems like Windows, Linux, iOS, and more.
Aside from mainstream devices like Samsung TVs, Roku, and Firestick, there is a MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature available for devices that don’t have native VPN support, like Apple TV and gaming consoles.
Security is paramount with ExpressVPN. This includes AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, Trusted Server technology, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, kill switch in France, and more, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure.
For more details, don’t hesitate to check out my blog on how does ExpressVPN work with BBC iPlayer in France?
Exclusive Deals:
VPNRanks readers can enjoy ExpressVPN services at EUR6.27/mo (US$ 6.67/mo) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee during which you can test the service. There’s a 7-day free trial in France, too for mobile subscribers.
- Fast-speed British servers
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer instantly
- Consistent and fast connections
- 24/7 live chat support
- No-logging policy
- Slightly pricey
2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for Watching BBC iPlayer in France
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- RAM-only servers (no hard disks)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unblocks Netflix and More
- 24/7 Customer Service
For those who want to enjoy BBC iPlayer in France without breaking the bank, Surfshark is the most budget-friendly VPN for BBC iPlayer. It offers an economical way to bypass geo-restrictions and access a world of British entertainment if you are on a tight budget.
Surfshark is acclaimed for its cost-effectiveness, but that doesn’t come at the expense of performance. It provides a reliable connection to UK servers, which are essential for watching BBC iPlayer in France.
It offers 3200+ servers in 100 countries and more than 3+ server locations in UK. These servers are located in London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
Surfshark’s UK servers are strategically positioned to offer optimal speeds and reliability. These servers are fine-tuned to ensure that you can stream BBC iPlayer content without interruptions or lag.
With Surfshark, you can easily change your IP address to the UK – London server to ensure all the claims are true. Afterward, I opened the service and could easily stream BBC live from anywhere.
Surfshark easily lets us access BBC iPlayer in France
During Surfshark speed testing in France, it offered us a download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps, which was great considering my base connection of 100 Mbps.
Surfshark speed test result on a 100 Mbps connection.
The biggest perk of having Surfshark is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. With a single account, you can have as many device connections as you want and share the account with your friends and family.
Moreover, it is the best multi-device VPN in France that allows compatibility with Apple TV and gaming consoles using its Smart DNS feature as well.
It employs industry-leading AES-256 encryption, ensuring your online activities are protected from prying eyes.
Alongside this powerful encryption, features such as a strict no-logs policy, an automatic Kill Switch, and Camouflage Mode— which conceals VPN traffic as regular internet activity—offer a fortressed streaming session. With Surfshark, your digital privacy while watching BBC iPlayer is taken seriously.
In my Surfshark review in France, I found that Surfshark’s pricing is as attractive as its features, making it one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, providing an excellent balance between cost and quality of service.
Besides its affordable plans, this best VPN for streaming in France also comes with a 7-day free trial in France, so you can easily test it with BBC iPlayer.
Choosing Surfshark means opting for an affordable yet robust VPN solution to watch BBC iPlayer in France, ensuring you don’t miss out on your favorite content due to geo-restrictions.
Exclusive Deals:
VPNRanks readers can get at EUR 2.34/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee! All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Affordable pricing
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- DNS leak protection and no-logging policy
- Unblocks BBC iPlayer along with many UK-based channels
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Some servers are subject to slow speeds
3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN for BBC iPlayer in France
- 6000 servers in 60 countries
- WireGuard protocol (NordLynx)
- 6 Simultaneous Connection
- DoubleVPN
- 24/7/365 Live Chat Support
- 30 Days Money Back Guarantee
NordVPN boasts the largest server network to watch BBC iPlayer in France, with over 6000+ servers in 61 countries, including an extensive selection of 440+ servers in the UK.
These servers are located in Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
All of its UK servers are optimized for streaming, offering users in France the fastest and most reliable access to BBC iPlayer. The streaming speeds are exceptional, ensuring that you can indulge in high-definition content without any lag.
My NordVPN review in France showed that this vast network not only provides numerous options for a stable connection but also offers enhanced security, making it a top pick for privacy-conscious streamers.
With an impressive array of UK servers, NordVPN guarantees a reliable streaming experience. These servers are tailored to bypass geo-blocks effectively, allowing you to dive into the vast library of BBC iPlayer without any hiccups.
During testing, I connected to its Edinburgh server and could watch normal people free online without any issues.
NordVPN servers unblocked BBC iPlayer in France with ease.
NordVPN speed test results in France showed a fast speed of 83.82 Mbps on a 100 Mbps base connection and 44.64 Mbps upload speed, which was more than enough for streaming in 4K. With this amazing speed, you can watch BBC iPlayer live in France.
NordVPN offers super-fast speed on its servers for Ultra-HD streaming.
This VPN supports 6 simultaneous device connections on a single account, and it is also compatible with various devices like Amazon Firestick, Roku, gaming consoles, and Smart TVs.
NordVPN’s servers are not just about quantity; they deliver exceptional streaming speeds, which is crucial for watching high-definition content on BBC iPlayer and other streaming services that may be restricted in France.
With AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and features such as Double VPN and CyberSec, users in France can stream with the assurance that their online activity is safeguarded against prying eyes. Furthermore, the automatic kill switch ensures that your data is protected even if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
These features ensure that your online activity remains anonymous and secure from prying eyes and protect your data during temporary VPN outages.
By opting for NordVPN, you’re not just choosing a VPN with a large server network; you’re choosing peace of mind, knowing that your streaming of BBC iPlayer in France is secure, smooth, and uninterrupted.
Exclusive Deals:
NordVPN offers premium service at EUR 3.75/mo (US$ 3.99/mo) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, providing a perfect blend of affordability and top-tier service. Every subscription plan comes with a guarantee of a refund within 30 days.
- Over 5000 servers, including 440+ in the UK
- Reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer and other UK TV channels
- Fast streaming speeds
- Robust security and privacy features
- 24/7 live chat support
- The desktop app takes up a lot of screen space
How to Choose the Right VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in France?
If you have no idea about the criteria for choosing the best VPN to watch BBC iPlayer while in France, check the selection criteria that I used to pick the right VPN in the section below:
- The VPN can unblock BBC iPlayer in France smoothly.
- It offers high-speed streaming without any lags on BBC iPlayer.
- Supports major devices such as iPhones, iPads, smartphones, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Roku, and Firestick.
- The VPN has strong security and encryption protocols with a no backlogs policy.
- Offers 5 or more simultaneous connections on a single subscription account.
How Much Does BBC iPlayer Cost in France?
BBC iPlayer is a free-to-stream platform. The only cost is a TV license fee, but if you’re streaming in France, you will no longer get the requirement of a UK TV license. However, you’ll have to purchase a VPN service like ExpressVPN to bypass the geo-blocks.
Also, if you ever change your mind, you can easily delete iPlayer account in France without using a password or an email address.
Can I watch BBC iPlayer in France with a free VPN?
Yes, you can. If you’re wondering specifically about how to watch BBC iPlayer in France free, it’s possible with a free VPN but I do not recommend using a free VPN for many reasons.
Firstly, BBC iPlayer has become extremely effective in detecting VPNs with the help of its IP-detecting technologies. Also, free VPNs limit your bandwidth.
Plus, however, there are some best BBC iPlayer free VPNs in France to use, such as Windscribe. But, I recommend that you use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN that has some of the best security features to offer, along with no backlogging policy and guarantees blazing fast speeds while streaming BBC iPlayer.
What Channels does BBC iPlayer have?
BBC iPlayer has several channels available. Check out the list below:
|
List of BBC iPlayer Channels |
|
| BBC One | BBC Two |
| BBC Three | BBC Four |
| CBBC | CBeebies |
| BBC Earth | BBC Entertainment |
| BBC Brit | BBC News |
What other services are provided by BBC iPlayer?
Along with live BBC channels, series, and TV episodes on BBC iPlayer in France, documentaries, movies, and other entertaining content, it also offers some additional services, like:
- BBC Sounds
- BBC News
- BBC Sport
- BBC Podcasts
- BBC Three YouTube channel
What to Watch on BBC iPlayer in France in 2024?
BBC iPlayer continues to be a treasure trove of entertainment, presenting a diverse mix of programs ranging from gripping dramas and hilarious comedies to thought-provoking documentaries and live sports. Notable mentions include the latest seasons of “Wolf.” Additionally, viewers can enjoy “EastEnders” or delve into history with “The Crown.”
So, for those wondering, what to watch in France on BBC iPlayer, I have listed my top picks; check those out over the weekend.
What Shows can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Here is a list of the top BBC iPlayer shows in France that you can watch on BBC iPlayer in 2024 with a VPN:
| DNA | Doctor Who The Infinite Quest | Sherlock All Seasons |
| Drugs Map of Britain | Jamie Johnson FC | Vigil |
| Wolf | The Met: Policing London Season 4 | Death on the Tyne |
| Kin | The Night Manager | David Wilsons Crime Files |
| Liz Bonnin’s Wild Caribbean | Strictly Come Dancing 2023 | The Australian Wars |
What Movies and Documentaries can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Here is a list of the best BBC iPlayer films in France and documentaries that are currently available in 2024. Make sure to connect to a VPN service to access these movies:
|
Top Movies and Documentaries on BBC iPlayer |
|
| 99 Homes | Shakespeare: Rise of A Genius |
| The Train | Big Oil v The World |
| Panorama Boohoo’s Broken Promises | Dark Land: The Hunt for Wales’ Worst Serial Killer |
| Roman Kemp The Fight For Young Lives | Your Anti-Bullying Week Stories |
| The BFG | The Shining |
| The Ones Below | Hocus Pocus |
| The Billion Dollar Scam | Coco |
What Sports can I watch on BBC iPlayer in 2024?
Here is a list of all the upcoming and ongoing best BBC iPlayer sports in France that you can watch in 2024:
| Ospreys vs Cardiff Rugby | Dragons v Scarlets |
| Scottish Women’s Premier League | Royal Ascot 2023 |
| World Series 2023 | Women’s Ashes 2023 |
| The Ashes 2023 | Tonga vs England |
| United Rugby Championship 2023 | Davis Cup |
What’s New on BBC iPlayer in February 2024?
Here’s a list of the latest releases for you to enjoy on BBC iPlayer in February 2024:
| Six Nations League | Six Nations Under 20s Championship | Fermanagh vs Kildare |
| West Ham Women vs Arsenal Ladies | Africa Cup of Nations Quarter Final | Wales U20 vs Scotland U20 Six Nations |
| France U20 vs Ireland U20 Six Nations | Cape Verde v South Africa AFCON Quarter Final | Italy vs England Six Nations |
| Domino Day Series 1 | Death in Paradise Season 13 | Dr Xand’s Con or Cure Series 2 |
| Click | All Passion Spent | Rick Stein’s India |
| Pilgrimage | Scam Interceptors Series 2 | Russell Maliphant’s Vortex |
| National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals | Eurovision Song Contest 2024 – The Draw | Lu & the Bally Bunch |
| Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim | England’s Forgotten Queen: The Life and Death of Lady Jane Grey | Putin vs the West: At War |
| The Traitors Australia All Episodes |
What is the compatible device to watch BBC iPlayer in France?
BBC iPlayer offers flexibility by being compatible with a wide range of devices. Here are the devices that support BBC iPlayer:
| Windows and Mac | Chromecast |
| Android | Firestick |
| Sky | PS5 |
| iOS | iPad |
| Apple TV | Xbox |
| Roku | Smart TV (for specific brands and supported devices, check this list) |
| Browsers |
How to Watch iPlayer in France on Android?
Here’s how to watch iPlayer in France using an Android device:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service (I recommend ExpressVPN).
- Download a VPN and set it up on your device.
- Connect to a UK server to get a British IP address (Recommended: Wembley).
- Create a new Google Account with the UK set as the region.
- Now, log out of your existing ID and log in with the new ID with the UK region.
- Visit the Google Play Store and search for the BBC iPlayer app.
- Tap on the Install button on the screen, and the app will start downloading right away.
- Once downloaded, sign up for a free account, and watch BBC iPlayer on an Android device in France free of cost.
For more information, you can read my guide on BBC iPlayer on Android in France.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS in France?
If you are thinking how can you watch BBC iPlayer in France on iPhone? Just follow these steps to download the BBC iPlayer app in France on your iOS device:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN for BBC iPlayer (I recommend ExpressVPN).
- Download the VPN on your device and log in.
- Connect to a UK server (I recommend using the Wembley server).
- Go to Settings on your iPhone > click on your Apple ID profile.
- Click on the Media and Purchases option > tap Country/ Region > select the United Kingdom, and click Agree.
- Enter the required details, including a UK address and a phone number. You can provide any random address from the internet because Apple doesn’t verify it.
- After changing the region to the UK, go to the App Store and download the BBC iPlayer app.
- Sign in and watch the amazing British shows in France.
How to get BBC iPlayer on Roku in France?
To watch BBC iPlayer in France on Roku, you will require a British-origin account first. Follow these steps to watch BBC iPlayer on your Roku account.
- Set up a VPN on your router. ExpressVPN is my top choice because of its easy router setup.
- Connect to a UK server (I recommend using Wembley server).
- Connect your Roku to the VPN-enabled router, and connect it to your TV.
- Sign in to your Roku account.
- Visit Roku’s Channel Store and search for BBC iPlayer app.
- Install the app, sign in, and start watching BBC iPlayer in France
Note: For more information, you can read my guide on BBC iPlayer on Roku in France.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in France on Windows and Mac?
To watch BBC iPlayer on Windows or Mac, you do not have to think about the availability of the application. All you need is a browser to watch BBC iPlayer.
Follow these easy steps and start watching BBC iPlayer on Windows & Mac in France;
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN for BBC iPlayer (I recommend ExpressVPN).
- Download the VPN on your device and log in.
- Connect to a UK server (I recommend using Wembley server).
- Go to BBC iPlayer website from your browser.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Enjoy streaming BBC iPlayer on Windows and Mac in France.
Note: For more information, you can read my guide on BBC iPlayer on Windows in France
How to Install BBC iPlayer on Firestick?
You can get and watch BBC iPlayer on Firestick in France, just follow the mentioned easy steps:
- Turn on your Firestick and click on the Apps from Unknown Sources. Make sure that it’s on. The option is located under Settings > Device > Developer Options
- If you don’t have the Downloader app, you must download it.
- Download ExpressVPN.
- Connect to UK server (I recommend using Wembley server).
- Restart the Amazon Firestick if you turned on the “Apps from Unknown Sources” setting.
- Search the BBC iPlayer app and install it.
- Launch the BBC iPlayer app and enter your login credentials.
Note: For more information, you can read my guide on BBC iPlayer on Firestick in France.
How do I Watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast?
To watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast in France, just follow the mentioned easy steps:
Here is what you have to do to watch BBC iPlayer on Chromecast in France using an Android or iOS device:
- Download and set up ExpressVPN.
- Choose a server in the UK (I recommend using Wembley server).
- Open the BBC iPlayer on your device.
- Find a title, open it, and wait for the cast icon to appear.
- Click on the cast icon, and that’s it.
Now, if you want to get BBC iPlayer on Chromecast from a laptop or desktop, here are the steps:
- Download and set up ExpressVPN.
- Choose a server in the UK (I recommend using Wembley server).
- Enable the Chromecast extension. If you don’t have it, download and install it
- Go to bbc.co.uk and sign in
- Choose a title and click on the cast icon
Now, if you want to get BBC iPlayer on Chromecast in France from a laptop or desktop, here are the steps:
How do I Watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV?
You can get and watch BBC iPlayer on Apple TV in France; I have mentioned below easy steps which you can follow:
- Connect your Apple TV to your TV.
- Open the Region section in the device’s settings. Go to General > Region.
- Select the UK and provide all the necessary details.
- Go to the App Store, look for the BBC iPlayer app, and download it.
- Download and set up ExpressVPN on your router.
- Connect the Apple TV to the router on which you installed the VPN.
- Open the BBC iPlayer app and sign in.
- Enjoy!
Note: For more information, you can read my guide on BBC iPlayer on Apple TV in France.
How do I Watch BBC iPlayer on Smart TV?
Can you get BBC iPlayer on Smart TV? Yes, you can get and watch BBC iPlayer on Smart TV in France; I have mentioned below easy steps which you can follow:
- Change the region of your smart TV from one region to another. If you don’t know how to do that, visit the official website of your TV’s brand.
- Download and set up ExpressVPN on your router.
- Connect your smart TV to the router on which you installed the VPN.
- Look for the BBC iPlayer app and add it to your list of channels.
- Open the BBC TV app, sign in, and enjoy best family shows on BBC iPlayer.
Note: For more information, you can read my guide on BBC iPlayer on Smart TV in France.
What other VPNs you can use to Watch BBC iPlayer in France?
Here are my thoughts on the three other VPNs I’ve used. However, because to its amazing performance, ExpressVPN comes out on top in my research.
- PureVPN: While this service delivers extensive network coverage and ironclad security with AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring your data stays safe, its connection speeds and streaming reliability might not rival ExpressVPN’s. This could be a trade-off for users relying heavily on fast downloads and seamless streaming.
- CyberGhost: This provider delivers with its intuitive interface and over 7,000 servers scattered across the globe. However, keep in mind that it might not always match ExpressVPN’s peak connection speeds, but has a lot of best security features.
- IPVanish: If unlimited device connections and top-notch privacy are your main priorities, this VPN is a solid choice. However, users relying on consistent server speeds and access to content across the globe might be better served by ExpressVPN’s wider footprint and faster performance.
Why doesn’t my VPN Work for BBC iPlayer in France?
If your VPN is failing to unlock BBC iPlayer in France, you might think, why can’t I watch BBC iPlayer in France? Well, there are a few potential reasons. BBC iPlayer uses sophisticated technology to detect and block IP addresses associated with VPN servers. Free VPNs, in particular, are easily identified due to their limited server options and the high volume of traffic from identical IPs.
Some of the most common reasons behind BBC iPlayer error codes in France and BBC iPlayer France proxy error are as follows with their troubleshooting tips:
- The VPN servers are detected and blacklisted by BBC iPlayer- Get in touch with the customer support of your VPN to get assistance on the matter. They can tell you better which server to use BBC iPlayer in France.
- The device’s location and your GPS location do not match- Try streaming from a desktop PC or a laptop rather than a mobile device. In this manner, the GPS location will not be cross-checked with your IP address.
- Your VPN is not equipped enough to cope with the geo-blocks of BBC iPlayer, and your location keeps leaking- Enable leak protection in the settings of your VPN.
If the above steps do not work, try using another VPN. Subscribe to a premium VPN service such as ExpressVPN for watching iPlayer in France. I tried its Wembley server and didn’t face any issues.
FAQs
Does SmartDNS work for BBC iPlayer in France?
Yes, Smart DNS circumvents the geo-blocks by rerouting some of your internet traffic through a specialized server in the UK. This enables you to watch BBC iPlayer from France.
Is it illegal to stream BBC iPlayer in France?
No. it is not illegal to use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in France. Since BBC iPlayer is a streaming service exclusively available in the UK, it is inaccessible in France and other European Union countries. However, you can use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access BBC iPlayer in France.
How do I get around BBC VPN block in France?
Try switching browsers or clearing cookies. Consult your VPN’s customer support for a functional BBC iPlayer server, as only select servers can unblock popular streaming services. Enable DNS/IP leak protection in your VPN settings. If the issue persists:
- Ensure you use a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
- Try a different UK server.
- Disconnect, clear cookies, and reconnect to a UK server.
- Update your VPN app.
- Check for DNS/IP leaks.
Why isn’t BBC iPlayer available in France?
BBC iPlayer operates solely within the UK, rendering it unavailable in France and all other EU nations. This limitation is somewhat understandable, considering it’s a complimentary service for UK residents, notwithstanding the BBC TV license fee.
How do I watch BBC iPlayer on a non-smart TV in France?
You can watch BBC iPlayer on a non-smart TV through the Google Chromecast, a dongle that connects to your TV and is controlled via your smartphone or tablet. It supports a vast array of apps—over 200,000—including popular ones like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Now TV.
However, since BBC iPlayer offers its services at no cost within the UK, it’s not accessible in France. However, you can still enjoy BBC iPlayer shows in France by using a VPN, such as ExpressVPN.
Does BBC iPlayer offer French subtitles?
Regrettably, only English subtitles are available on BBC iPlayer, including for its Welsh and Gaelic-language channels, S4C and BBC Alba.
Final Thoughts
That is everything you need to know about how to watch BBC in France. Due to geo-restrictions, BBC iPlayer is only available inside the UK. To access your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer in France, all you need is a reliable VPN.
Unfortunately, streaming services like BBC iPlayer are getting better at detecting and blocking VPNs. Luckily, there are trustworthy VPNs like ExpressVPN that is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer in France, allowing you to bypass the geo-restrictions with ease with fast speed.
